The Index of Consumer Sentiment came in at 99.9, up from 95.7 in January. The number was up 3.7% from the same period a year earlier.

Despite wild gyrations in the stock market, perception was boosted by “rising incomes, employment growth, and by net favorable perceptions of the tax reforms,” Richard Curtain, chief economist for the survey, wrote.

“Indeed, when asked to identify any recent economic news they had heard, negative references to stock prices were spontaneously cited by just 6% of all consumers. In contrast, favorable references to government policies were cited by 35% in February, unchanged from January, and the highest level recorded in more than a half century,” Curtain added.